Mazda's All-New 2017 CX-5 Gets Overhauled Design And New Tech

At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Mazda revealed the all-new CX-5 SUV complete with an updated design and a selection of new technologies.
The most obvious differences between the new model and the outgoing one is the heavily updated exterior styling. Unsurprisingly, it takes much of its inspiration from the smaller CX-3 and larger CX-9 with Mazda saying that it wanted to create a vehicle that suited the phrase ‘refined toughness’.

As such, the front of the new CX-5’s body is now 10 mm wider than previously and helps to give the car an improved stance on the road. Additionally, the A-pillars have been pushed back by approximately 35 mm and a new grille has been adopted. Other key design updates include thinner headlights and taillights and an overall sportier appearance, aided particularly through the re-designed roofline and sharp C-pillars.

The interior of the new CX-5 has also been suitably refreshed and revised and incorporates a three-spoke steering wheel, push-button start and a 4.6-inch color display within the instrument cluster. There’s also a 7-inch display now resting on top of the dashboard, similar to most current Mercedes-Benz models. There’s also a 10-spoke Bose premium sound system and the Mazda Connect connectivity system which works in conjunction with smartphones.

While engines will differ between markets, Mazda says the new CX-5 will receive its clean, 2.2-liter SkyActiv-D diesel engine and the SkyActiv-G 2.0 and SkyActiv 2.5 direct-injection petrol engines. All of these engines can be mated to either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. As standard, they are front wheel drive but the brand’s all-wheel drive system is available.

Another highlight of the new model is that the strengthened chassis has resulted in a 15.5 per cent increase in torsional rigidity over the outgoing model. This is largely due to the increased use of ultra-high-tensile steel on the A-pillars and B-pillars. The improved aerodynamics of the new model also lower road noise by around 1.3 dB over rough surfaces.

On a technology and safety front, the 2017 CX-5 includes Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Traffic Sign Recognition which is able to read speed limit and other road signs and display them on the 4.6-inch display. What’s more, the new model includes a torque vectoring system where torque levels can be altered based on steering wheel inputs, aiming to both improve the ride and great handling abilities.